Beatrix’s Lake District
Left : Wray Castle
|
Top right : Hilltop
|
Bottom right : Beatrix Potter Gallery
Beatrix Potter is one of the Lake District’s much-loved literary icons, not only as a children’s author of the ‘The Tales of’ but also a farmer, conservationist and businesswoman. Originally from London, she moved here after visiting as a child and falling in love with the Lake District.
Hill Top, in the village of Far Sawrey, is the house she bought with the proceeds of her most famous book, The Tale of Peter Rabbit. It is full of fascinating artifacts, a dolls house, clocks and furniture and you can almost imagine Beatrix sat in front of the fire writing, whilst Mr. MacGregor tends the lovely cottage garden. It is cared for by the National Trust and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The National Trust also care for the Beatrix Potter Gallery in the centre of Hawkshead, which was originally William Heelis’ solicitors office, who became her husband.
of the founding fathers of the Trust, and after a lifetime’s interest and activity in farming and conservation, she left 16 farms and acres of land to the Trust in her will, really kick-starting the land conservation movement here in the Lakes. There are so many places to discover different sides to Beatrix: One of our favourites include Wray Castle, the dramatic, gothic turreted castle on the shores of Windermere; where Beatrix used to go for childhood holidays. Head here for lakeshore walks and cycle rides, with fabulous views over the Lake; informal grounds to run around in, and lots of indoor places to explore, along with a café and shop – a real family friendly place to spend an afternoon.
2020 sees 125 years of the National Trust, and Beatrix had a big part to play in its development. Her friend and lifelong mentor, Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley, was one
36
